[Ian Pullen]

Ahh Pedr,

Lets firstly say that I have not used my worn rank (prior to discharging from the Army) on this forum. Any responses I write have nothing to do with the organisation I work for; they are My opinions and MY opinions only.

1. As for being too far in the inner circle and saying this with authority: I think that my reference is page 21 of Saturday's Herald Sun. It clearly covers what I wrote.

2. I don't recall in my post that I attacked the German Government politically?????? I don't know where you are going with this. As for the Abrahms buy. I'm sorry, I work in the Museum and wasn't consulted on the purchase. Personally, I like the Leopard 2; I believe that logistically it would have been a good purchase.

3. As for John Bellfield, I like the guy and get along well with him. I have posted before that his efforts with his Museum were superhuman. For a one-man band, he is beyond peers. Again, I don't know where you are going with this.........

4. Alan was an invaluable help with our 2 Pdr. It was a back scratching exercise. We actually helped each other. His vehicle was in our workshop for almost a year. We assisted in labour etc with his vehicle also. I have thanked Alan personally. Perhaps you should ask the new owners of his vehicle.

5. As for some Army officer disposing of the gun at Pt Wakefield. Try and realise that Army Heritage has changed dramatically in the past six years. With an organisation of oh, about 50,000 people, there are bound to be stuff ups. Have there ever been in any of the organisations in which you work? There are now safeguards to stop that happening again. I know the horse has bolted - but at least the whole herd can't get out.

6. As for being federally funded, I would really like to believe so. But as with most Armies, their main interest is bullets and bombs to support our troops who are actually overseas as I write this. Being an ex-serving member, I would like to think that the govt that sent me there is actually supporting me while I'm there doing their bidding.

7. As for Tim, John, Swanny, most of your SA brethren, Pucka and Keswick, I talk to them and work with them regularly. I wouldn't worry about these gentlemen, they are big boys. Again I don't know where you are heading with this.

Obviously my post offended you in some way... but if you actually read it, I stated that these were the 25 FREE Leopard tanks. It has not as yet been decided what will happen to the rest of the fleet. Let's face it, if they don't want to sell them, they don't have to. After Sep 11, govt's are more cautious. Let's be logical here and sort out the facts.

Disappointed to say the least.

IAN